Hayabusa2 Mission: Asteroid 1998 KY26 Smaller, Faster Than Expected
Asteroid 1998 KY26: New Findings Impacting Hayabusa2 Mission
Astronomers have discovered that asteroid 1998 KY26, the target of the extended Hayabusa2 mission, is substantially smaller and rotates much faster than previously estimated.
A new study utilizing observatories worldwide, including the European Southern Observatory’s Very large Telescope (VLT), revealed these updated characteristics. The findings are crucial for planning the Hayabusa2 mission, scheduled to reach the asteroid in 2031.
Key Findings about Asteroid 1998 KY26
| Characteristic | Previous Estimate | New Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | Approximately 30 meters | 11 meters |
| Rotation Period | Approximately 10 minutes | 5 minutes |
“We found that the reality of this object was completely different from the previous description,” stated Toni Santana-Ros, a researcher from the University of Alicante, spain, and lead author of the study published in Nature Communications.
The asteroid’s small size – small enough to fit inside the VLT unit telescope dome – and rapid rotation present challenges for the Hayabusa2 landing maneuver.
Challenges for Hayabusa2
“Smaller sizes and faster rotation that are now measurable will make Hayabusa2 visits more engaging, but also increasingly challenging,” explained Olivier Hainaut, an astronomer at ESO Germany. The landing process will be more difficult than initially anticipated.
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